OLYMPIA, Wash., Jan. 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Christine O. Gregoire, Governor of the state of Washington, has issued a proclamation designating the second Monday through Sunday in January as "Volunteer Firefighter Recognition Week." Governor Gregoire in the proclamation stated that, "The majority of firefighters in Washington State are volunteers and deserve to be recognized for their willingness to provide courageous service without monetary compensation. These volunteer firefighters respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without hesitation and when not responding to emergencies, these public servants are involved in numerous community programs. I urge all citizens to join me in this special observance." Volunteer firefighters make a huge contribution to public safety in Washington State with more than 15,000 volunteer firefighters representing over 75% of the state's total firefighting resources.
Coinciding with Washington State's first Firefighter Recognition Week, a special license plate has been made available to volunteer firefighters with at least one year of service. On Thursday, January 12th, the first 25 Volunteer Firefighter Special License Plates will be distributed in a noon ceremony at the Sate Capitol Rotunda in Olympia. "The Washington State Fire Fighters' Association (WSFFA) has labored for many years to have legislation enacted permitting a specialty license plate for volunteer firefighters to purchase for their personal vehicles," said WSFFA Past-President and Special License Plate Project Administrator T.J. Nedrow. "We finally have a way to respectfully recognize the thousands of volunteers – past, present and future – for their dedicated, unselfish service."
Washington State is facing an ongoing shortage of volunteer firefighters. It is estimated that a need exists for an additional 9,000 volunteers. "There comes a time in one's life where they can make a difference. For a volunteer, that could be coming to the rescue of a lost child, comforting a survivor of a tragedy or putting a fire out. It's not so much what we do but what we do for others. You have the opportunity to make your community better," said T.J. Nedrow.
Anyone interested in finding out about how they can become a volunteer can contact 1-800-FIRELINE or visit www.justbethere.info for more information.